The Weekly Tech Rant

Episode 268: Apple Goes Touchscreen, Nvidia’s Stolen GPUs Resurface, Meta’s $25B Nightmare, and Gmail Privacy Fears Grow

Jay and Karl unpack a huge week for Apple, alongside fresh controversy surrounding Nvidia, Meta, Google, and Microsoft. Karl shares his first-hand experience with the iPhone Duo before we dive into Apple's 'Pro and Tell' event, where the company unveils its first touchscreen MacBook Pro, powered by the new M6 generation and featuring a PROLED XDR display.

Apple also refreshes the iPad mini with OLED technology, introduces a new M6-powered 14-inch MacBook Pro, and updates the iMac with faster connectivity. We discuss whether Apple's touchscreen ambitions represent a genuine change of direction for the Mac and what the latest hardware means for existing users.

Elsewhere, one of the RTX 5090 graphics cards stolen from a Brazilian airport reportedly resurfaces on the second-hand market, Meta faces a staggering $25 billion fine in New Mexico, and Google's updated privacy policy raises concerns about how Gmail data could be used for advertising. Microsoft also offers buyouts to tens of thousands of employees.

Finally, we look ahead to Apple's foldable future, with rumours suggesting the iPhone Duo 2 could introduce Face ID, while a larger iPhone Duo 3 may feature a telephoto camera.

Full show notes & links:
https://techrant.online/episode-268-apple-goes-touchscreen-nvidias-stolen-gpus-resurface-metas-25b-nightmare-and-gmail-privacy-fears-grow/

Also available on:
Apple Podcasts | YouTube

In This Episode

News

Karl's iPhone Duo Update
Karl shares his experience with Apple's foldable iPhone Duo, including his early impressions of the hardware, design, and everyday usability.

Apple 'Pro and Tell' Event

Apple unveils all-new iPad mini with OLED display and thinner design
Apple's smallest tablet receives a major refresh, bringing OLED display technology and a slimmer design.

Apple unveils new 14-inch MacBook Pro powered by M6
The 14-inch MacBook Pro receives Apple's next-generation M6 chip, promising improvements in performance and efficiency.

Apple launches new iMac with M6 chip, N1 wireless, and faster Ethernet
Apple refreshes its all-in-one desktop with new silicon and improved connectivity.

Apple announces all-new MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR display, its first touchscreen Mac
Apple finally brings touchscreen technology to the MacBook Pro, alongside a redesigned chassis and a new PROLED XDR display.

Other News

Stolen RTX 5090 from Brazilian airport heist resurfaces on second-hand market
One of the graphics cards stolen in the extraordinary Brazilian airport heist reportedly appears for sale at $6,400, while the remaining GPUs are still missing.

Meta faces $25 billion fine after New Mexico rejects multistate settlement
Meta faces an enormous financial penalty following a legal battle in New Mexico, raising questions about the growing regulatory and legal risks facing social media companies.

Updated Google privacy policy says Gmail might be used for advertising
Changes to Google's privacy policy raise fresh concerns about how personal email data could be used to support targeted advertising.

Microsoft offers buyouts to around 60,000 employees
Microsoft reportedly offers voluntary departure packages to tens of thousands of employees as its workforce restructuring continues.

Rumours

iPhone Duo 2 prototypes with Face ID reportedly being tested inside Apple
Apple is reportedly already testing its second-generation foldable iPhone with Face ID technology.

Leaker reveals larger iPhone Duo 3 details and possible telephoto camera
A future iPhone Duo could feature a larger display and improved camera system, including a dedicated telephoto lens.

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Episode 267: iPhone Duo Sells Out, Apple’s Pro and Tell Event Looms, $500K in RTX 5090s Vanish, and Xbox Eyes an $1,800 Price Tag

Jay and Karl unpack another eventful week across Apple, gaming, and PC hardware. Apple's foldable iPhone Duo has sold out almost immediately, with new orders reportedly pushed into next year, while the company prepares for its upcoming 'Pro and Tell' event on 28 October.

Meanwhile, nearly half a million dollars' worth of Nvidia RTX 5090 graphics cards have mysteriously disappeared from a Brazilian airport, and reports suggest Microsoft's next-generation Xbox could carry an eye-watering $1,800 price tag. We also explore Xbox's plans to offer paid cloud gaming without Game Pass and fresh rumours suggesting GTA 6 could arrive on PC in early 2027.

Full show notes & links:
https://techrant.online/episode-267-iphone-duo-sells-out-apples-pro-and-tell-event-looms-500k-in-rtx-5090s-vanish-and-xbox-eyes-an-1800-price-tag/

Also available on:
Apple Podcasts | YouTube

In This Episode

News

iPhone Duo sells out immediately, now backordered until next year
Apple's first foldable iPhone appears to be a runaway success, with early demand pushing delivery estimates well into 2027.

What to expect at Apple's 'Pro and Tell' event on 28 October
Apple is preparing another major product showcase, with attention turning towards its next generation of professional hardware.

Two pallets of RTX 5090 graphics cards go missing from a Brazilian airport
Around $495,000 worth of Nvidia's flagship GPUs have mysteriously disappeared, adding another bizarre chapter to the ongoing RTX 5090 saga.

The next Xbox might cost $1,800, report says
Microsoft's next-generation Xbox could come with an extraordinary price tag, raising questions about the future of console gaming and who the hardware is really aimed at.

Xbox is previewing paid cloud gaming for players without Game Pass
Microsoft is experimenting with a standalone cloud gaming offering, potentially opening Xbox streaming to players who don't subscribe to Game Pass.

Rumours

GTA 6 is reportedly coming to PC in early 2027
Fresh reports suggest PC gamers might not have to wait quite as long as expected to experience Rockstar's highly anticipated sequel.

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Episode 266: Apple’s Welcome Home Revolution, HomeView Arrives, Siri AI Takes Over, and Nvidia’s RTX 5080 Super Lives Again

Jay and Karl dive into Apple's biggest smart-home announcements in years as the company's 'Welcome Home' event introduces an entirely new generation of connected devices. Leading the charge is HomeView, Apple's new $299 smart display, alongside an updated HomePod mini, a refreshed Apple TV 4K built around Siri AI, and a new collection of smart-home accessories developed with LG and Schneider.

With Apple Intelligence and the next generation of Siri at the centre of its strategy, Apple is making a serious push to take control of the connected home. We discuss whether these new products can finally deliver the seamless smart-home experience Apple has been promising for years.

Away from Cupertino, Nvidia's seemingly cancelled RTX 5080 Super refuses to stay dead, with fresh reports pointing towards a possible early 2027 release. We also look at rumours suggesting Apple's next iPad mini could finally gain an OLED display, although that upgrade may come with a significant price increase.

Full show notes & links:
https://techrant.online/episode-266-apples-welcome-home-revolution-homeview-arrives-siri-ai-takes-over-and-nvidias-rtx-5080-super-lives-again/

Also available on:
Apple Podcasts | YouTube

In This Episode

News

Apple 'Welcome Home' Event

Apple unveils new HomeView smart display, available to pre-order for $299
Apple officially enters the smart display market with HomeView, bringing Siri AI and smart-home controls together in a dedicated $299 device.

Apple updates the HomePod mini with more audio features and new colours
The HomePod mini gets a long-awaited refresh, introducing improved audio capabilities and new colour options, with Siri AI support arriving later.

Apple unveils Apple Home Collection accessories developed with LG and Schneider
Apple expands its smart-home ecosystem with a new range of accessories developed alongside LG and Schneider, strengthening its ambitions beyond traditional Apple hardware.

Apple refreshes the Apple TV 4K for Siri AI
Apple's streaming box receives an update designed to support the next generation of Siri AI, bringing more intelligent voice control and integration into the living room.

Nvidia

Nvidia's 24 GB RTX 5080 Super could finally arrive in early 2027
The RTX 5080 Super refuses to stay dead, with fresh rumours suggesting Nvidia could launch the long-awaited 24 GB graphics card in early 2027.

Rumours

New iPad mini with OLED display could be significantly more expensive
Apple's next iPad mini is reportedly getting an OLED display, but the upgrade could push the price considerably higher than the current model.

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Episode 265: Apple’s Welcome Home Event, Xbox Secures GTA 6 Streaming, SpaceX Goes Mobile, and Pimax Takes on Valve

Jay and Karl explore another packed week across Apple, gaming, virtual reality, and satellite communications. Apple is preparing to unveil its next generation of smart-home products at a special 'Welcome Home' event, with leaked images already offering a glimpse of new security cameras and a video doorbell developed alongside LG.

Meanwhile, Microsoft reportedly secures GTA 6 streaming rights for Xbox, Pimax takes aim at Valve with a new wireless VR headset and upgraded controllers, and SpaceX sets its sights on becoming a major mobile network operator through a significant spectrum acquisition.

We also discuss leaked specifications for the Xbox Elite Controller 3 and fresh rumours suggesting Apple's iPhone Air 2 could be as thin as the unfolded iPhone Duo.

Full show notes & links:
https://techrant.online/episode-265-apples-welcome-home-event-xbox-secures-gta-6-streaming-spacex-goes-mobile-and-pimax-takes-on-valve/

Also available on:
Apple Podcasts | YouTube

In This Episode

News

Apple teases new smart-home products with 'Welcome Home' event next week
Apple prepares to expand its smart-home ecosystem with a dedicated launch event, potentially introducing new hardware and services.

Apple's new Home cameras and doorbell with LG revealed in leaked images
Leaked images offer an early look at Apple's rumoured home security products, reportedly developed in partnership with LG.

Xbox has secured GTA 6 streaming rights
Microsoft reportedly secures streaming rights for Rockstar's highly anticipated GTA 6, potentially strengthening Xbox Cloud Gaming.

Pimax announces new wireless VR headset, foveated streaming, and updated controllers
Pimax takes on Valve with new VR hardware and technology designed to improve wireless performance and immersion.

SpaceX wants to become a major mobile carrier with low-band spectrum acquisition
SpaceX expands its ambitions beyond satellite broadband, acquiring spectrum that could help transform Starlink into a major mobile connectivity provider.

Rumours

Xbox Elite Controller 3 specs leak via Xbox's own Design Lab
Microsoft may have accidentally revealed details of its next-generation premium Xbox controller.

iPhone Air 2 rumoured to be as thin as an unfolded iPhone Duo
Apple's next ultra-thin iPhone could push smartphone design even further, with reports suggesting a remarkably slim profile.

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Episode 264: Anthropic’s Extinction IPO Warning, OpenAI Hits the Brakes, Xbox Isn’t for Sale, and Steam Deck 2 Takes Shape

Jay and Karl unpack a strange collision of AI ambition, existential risk, gaming uncertainty, and new hardware. Anthropic's IPO pitch reportedly comes with an extraordinary warning about human extinction, while OpenAI appears to be taking a more cautious route by delaying its own IPO over AI safety concerns.

Elsewhere, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma insists the business isn't for sale despite Microsoft's restructuring and layoffs, Apple explains how it plans to tackle one of the biggest problems with foldable phones on the iPhone Duo, and fresh rumours suggest AMD's new Gainsborough APU could be the chip at the heart of the long-awaited Steam Deck 2.

Full show notes & links:
https://techrant.online/episode-264-anthropics-extinction-ipo-warning-openai-hits-the-brakes-xbox-isnt-for-sale-and-steam-deck-2-takes-shape/

Also available on:
Apple Podcasts | YouTube

In This Episode

News

Anthropic's IPO pitch includes a warning about human extinction
Anthropic's pitch to investors reportedly includes an unusually stark warning about the potential existential risks of advanced AI.

OpenAI delays IPO over AI safety concerns
OpenAI reportedly puts its public-market ambitions on hold amid concerns about the safety implications of increasingly capable AI.

"Xbox is not for sale" despite Microsoft's layoffs and restructuring
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma pushes back against speculation about the future of Microsoft's gaming business.

Apple says iPhone Duo has a 'replaceable' folding display layer to minimise the crease
Apple reveals an unusual approach to reducing one of the most persistent problems with foldable displays.

Rumours

AMD's new 'Gainsborough' APU rumoured to power the long-awaited Steam Deck 2
AMD's next-generation mobile silicon could provide our first real glimpse at the hardware inside Valve's eventual Steam Deck successor.

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Episode 263: Anthropic’s Opus 5.5 Arrives, Microsoft Drops Copilot+, Meta Connect 2026, and Apple’s AI Server Plans

Jay and Karl unpack another busy week in AI and consumer technology. Anthropic launches Opus 5.5 with improved performance and lower pricing, Rabbit expands its AI ambitions beyond the R1 device, and Microsoft quietly retires the Copilot+ PC branding just a year after introducing it.

We also break down everything announced at Meta Connect 2026, discuss reports that Apple is preparing AI servers powered by its M8 Ultra chips, and round things off with the latest rumours surrounding Apple's long-awaited HomePad.

Full show notes & links:
Shownotes

Also available on:
Apple Podcasts | YouTube

In This Episode

News

Anthropic releases Opus 5.5 with lower prices and Fable-level performance
Anthropic's latest flagship model promises stronger performance while reducing costs for developers.

Rabbit's new AI agent doesn't need an R1 to run
Rabbit expands its AI platform beyond dedicated hardware with a standalone agent.

Microsoft is killing off the 'Copilot Plus PC' brand
Microsoft simplifies its AI PC branding less than two years after introducing Copilot+.

Everything announced at Meta Connect 2026
Meta unveils its latest AI, mixed reality, and wearable technology during its annual developer event.

Apple planning to sell AI servers powered by M8 Ultra chips
A new report suggests Apple could enter the AI infrastructure market with its own server hardware.

Rumours

HomePad to launch next month with these new features
Apple's rumoured HomePad could finally be approaching launch with several new capabilities.

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Episode 262: Nvidia’s AI Spending Spree, Steam Frame Arrives, Anthropic’s Stark Warning, and Apple Faces New UK Rules

Jay and Karl unpack another week where AI money seems almost limitless. Nvidia puts $3.5 billion into MediaTek and agrees to buy Hugging Face for $12.9 billion, while RTX 5090 stock mysteriously dries up. Valve’s Steam Frame finally goes on sale with an eye-watering price, Anthropic researchers sound an extraordinary warning about AI risk, GoPro heads into defence and aerospace, and Apple faces new child-safety rules in the UK.

Full show notes & links:
https://techrant.online/weekly-tech-rant-episode-262/

Also available on:
Apple Podcasts | YouTube

In This Episode

News

• Nvidia makes a $3.5B bet on MediaTekAnother enormous AI investment reveals how Nvidia plans to defend its position as Big Tech develops more silicon of its own.
• Nvidia buys Hugging Face for $12.9 billionOne of AI’s most important platforms joins Nvidia as its spending spree moves beyond chips and into the wider AI ecosystem.
• RTX 5090 stock starts disappearingNvidia is spending billions on AI while gamers are left wondering where its flagship graphics cards have gone.
• Valve’s Steam Frame opens for ordersThe new VR headset has arrived, but a starting price of £889 makes this anything but an impulse purchase.
• Anthropic researchers issue a stark warning about AIResearchers inside one of the world’s leading AI companies raise the possibility of catastrophic outcomes as capabilities accelerate.
• GoPro is acquired and heads into defence and aerospace
  The action-camera company is taking a surprising turn towards government, robotics, aerospace, and defence markets.
• Apple faces new UK child-safety rulesNew requirements around intimate images on children’s iPhones put another spotlight on the balance between safety and privacy.

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Episode 261: Apple’s Surprise and Shine Event, iPhone 18 Pro, Foldable iPhone Duo, and Apple Watch Ultra 4

Jay and Karl break down Apple’s big “Surprise and Shine” event. The iPhone 18 Pro arrives, Apple finally enters the foldable era with the iPhone Duo, Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 push further into health tracking, and AirPods 5 bring another round of audio upgrades. It’s an Apple-heavy episode, but there is plenty to unpack.

Full show notes & links:
https://techrant.online/weekly-tech-rant-episode-261/

Also available on:
Apple Podcasts |YouTube

In This Episode

Apple’s Surprise and Shine Event

• iPhone 18 Pro officially announced
  Apple’s latest flagship is here, and we dig into what has actually changed and whether there is enough to justify another upgrade.
• Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 unveiledApple doubles down on health tracking while pushing the Ultra further as its flagship wearable.
• Apple unveils AirPods 5
  Upgraded noise cancellation and another refinement of one of Apple’s most successful products.
• Apple finally unveils the foldable iPhone DuoAfter years of rumours, Apple enters the foldable phone market. The big question is whether it has waited long enough to get it right.

Say hello:
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Episode 260: Steam's 12TB Leak, Xbox Cloud Gets Capped, OpenAI Dumps Cursor, and Apple's Smart Glasses Near

Jay and Karl dig into another week of questionable decisions and enormous numbers. A decade of Steam data totalling more than 12TB leaks online, Microsoft caps Xbox Cloud Gaming while simultaneously introducing pay-as-you-go access, and OpenAI pulls its models from Cursor following the SpaceXAI acquisition. Meanwhile, Meta faces an $18 billion settlement, Squadron 42 slips again, and Apple's first smart glasses are reportedly getting close.

Full show notes & links:
https://techrant.online/weekly-tech-rant-episode-260/

Also available on:
Apple Podcasts |YouTube

In This Episode

News

• Meta agrees to settlement worth up to $18 billionA huge settlement brings another chapter in the fight over social media's impact on young users.
• OpenAI pulls its models from CursorThe SpaceXAI acquisition triggers a major change for one of the most popular AI coding tools.
• More than 12TB of Steam files leak onlineA decade's worth of material surfaces in an enormous leak from Valve's gaming ecosystem.
• Squadron 42 gets delayed againThis time GTA 6 gets some of the blame, despite Rockstar's blockbuster still not coming to PC at launch.
• Xbox Cloud Gaming gets a 15-hour monthly capEven Ultimate subscribers face new limits on how much cloud gaming their subscription actually buys.
• Xbox Cloud Gaming gets pay-as-you-go accessMicrosoft caps subscription usage while simultaneously offering another way to pay for more.

Rumours

• Apple's first smart glasses could launch next yearApple's next major wearable category appears to be getting closer, with AI expected to sit at its heart.

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Episode 259: Android Malware Goes Contactless, Apple Unveils M6, Macs Get an Upgrade, and the iPhone Ultra Event Is Here

Jay and Karl unpack a week that swings from cybercrime to major Apple hardware news. New Android malware turns infected phones into NFC relays for payment fraud, GTA 6 suffers another leak scare, and Apple cuts jobs across its Vision Pro and Siri teams. Then Apple takes over the second half of the show with a new Mac mini, an upgraded Mac Studio, the M6 chip, and confirmation of its iPhone 18 Pro and foldable iPhone Ultra event.

Full show notes & links:
https://techrant.online/weekly-tech-rant-episode-259/

Also available on:
Apple Podcasts |YouTube

In This Episode

News

• WindRelay Android malware turns phones into NFC relaysA nasty twist on payment fraud that uses compromised phones to relay contactless transactions.
• GTA 6 suffers another leak scareIs it a nightmare for the biggest game of the year, or just another blip in Rockstar's long road to launch?
• Apple reportedly cuts more than 200 Vision Pro and Siri jobsA notable reshuffle across two of Apple's most closely watched future-facing teams.
• Apple announces an updated Mac miniApple's smallest desktop gets another round of hardware upgrades.
• Apple unveils new Mac Studio with M5 Max and M5 UltraThe compact workstation gets a serious performance boost for high-end Mac users.
• Apple launches M6 and M5 UltraThe next generation of Apple Silicon arrives, extending the company's performance push across the Mac lineup.
• Apple announces its iPhone 18 Pro and foldable iPhone Ultra event"Surprise and shine" sets the stage for what could be Apple's biggest iPhone event in years.

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